Scientists trial experimental male contraceptive gel

A new gel has been found to lower sperm counts and could provide a novel form of birth control for men, US scientists say.

The gel contains the hormone testosterone and a synthetic progestin called Nestorone.

Researchers at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and the University of Washington have tested the gel in 99 men over a six-month period.

Two-thirds of the men received a gel containing testosterone and one of two concentrations of Nestorone, while the remaining third were given a gel containing testosterone and a placebo (dummy drug).

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Between 88 and 89 per cent of men receiving the trial gel achieved a low sperm count of less than one million sperm per ml, compared with just 23 per cent of men using the testosterone/placebo combination.

There was a complete absence of sperm in up to 78 per cent of men who received the trial gel.

The findings were presented at a recent meeting of the Endocrine Society in the US by lead investigator Dr Christina Wang.

She said: 'Up until now, the responsibility for contraception has traditionally always been with the female.

'With these new contraceptive methods for males, the responsibility will be shared.'

A study by the Family Planning Association in 2008 found that two-thirds of men would consider using male contraception if a hormonal method became available.

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